VP Pence rallying in Columbus, Macon this week ahead of U.S. Senate runoffs
Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Columbus and Macon Thursday, Dec. 17 ahead of the state’s two U.S. Senate runoffs.
Pence will discuss the accomplishments of the Trump Administration and the Republican Senate majority at “Defend the Majority” rallies in both cities. The Columbus event will be held at the Columbus Airport at noon. The Macon rally will be held at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport at 2 p.m, according to President Donald Trump’s campaign website.
Pence is campaigning on behalf of U.S. Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler who face Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in twin elections that will decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
“It speaks to the broader issue of communities outside Atlanta,” said Georgia Republican Party treasurer Joseph Brannan, who is also the general manager of PMB Broadcasting in Columbus. “It’s important that the whole state matters to Sen. Perdue and Sen. Loeffler and to support and get the vote out around the entire state.”
Muscogee County GOP chairman Alton Russell said that turnout will be key in the runoffs and Pence is the type of campaigner who could motivate voters.
“Vice President Pence is solid,” Russell said. “He’s been involved with the president on everything that’s been going on for the last four years. He’s very important. He’s a standout, stand-up kind of guy that’s going to really bring a lot of energy to the voters in Columbus and Macon.”
The Columbus and Macon events are Pence’s latest stop in Georgia. He appeared at similar rallies in Augusta Thursday and Savannah last week. National political figures are flocking to the state ahead of the runoffs. President Donald Trump held a rally in Valdosta Dec. 5, and President-elect Joe Biden will rally in Atlanta on Dec. 15.
Recent polling from Fabrizio Ward/Hart Research Associates shows the race is neck-and-neck. Ossoff leading Perdue by 2%, and Warnock is ahead of Loeffler by 1%.
This story was originally published December 11, 2020 at 5:05 PM.